“A PSALMIST’S PRAYER FOR GOD’S DELIVERANCE” PSALM 59:1-17

The superscription of Psalm 59 reads, “To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David; when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him.” The term “Altaschith” could mean to “destroy not,” and the term “Michtam” may mean “to cover or protect.” The background for this psalm is found in I Samuel 19. Saul, a constant threat to David, had sent messengers and they watched the house of David in order to kill him. Through Michal’s help, David was able to escape; thus, his life was spared.In a time of extreme danger, the Lord will safeguard His saints.

David knew of God’s protecting power as he expressed in Psalm 57:1, “Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.” Yes, David understood that in times of extreme trouble, he could rely on God to defend his cause. David confidently states in Psalm 62:1-2, “Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from Him cometh my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.”

God is indeed a sure defense for all saints. In the midst of a troubled situation, David prays that the Lord would deliver him from his enemies in verses 1-5; “Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me” (v. 1).

These enemies of David had conspired to kill him. Due to this conspiracy on his life, David prays an imprecatory pray in verse 5, that reads, “Thou therefore, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, awake to visit all the heathen: be not merciful to any wicked transgressors.”

Although the acts of David’s enemies were treacherous, David had confidence that God would defeat them (vv. 6-10). He states in verse 8, “But thou, O LORD, shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in derision.”

In verses 12-13, David prayed that God’s justice might prevail and expose the wickedness of his enemies. This beautiful psalm concludes with David praising God even though he was in the midst of his enemies (vv. 14-17). Yes, even in the midst of being troubled by his enemies, David expresses his resolve to praise God, for verses 16-17 state, “But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble. Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy.”

When we are in the midst of a desperate situation, we need to learn the value of waiting on and trusting in God, for Psalm 40:1-3 state, “I waited patiently for the LORD; and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.”

May God Bless!